Author Archives: Madison Butler

Review: Elasticator #4

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Screen Shot 2016-06-28 at 5.34.36 PMThough writer A.C. Medina and artist Kevin Shah have largely avoided the usual superhero tropes thus far, it’s pretty impossible to have a superhero story without the main character going through a little bit of hell first.

A little bit of hell is exactly what’s headed Mikey’s way in Elasticator #4. In a departure from previous issues, the cover looks like something straight out of Mad Max: Fury Road. The previous issue ended with Mikey’s fate hanging in the balance after taking a serious beating. Regardless of whether the intent was to draw a subtle comparison to Mad Max, the effect is something of a haunting reminder: The only people in control are the ones at the top of the food chain.

As always, humanity is placed first and foremost in the story, pitted against the cold and unforgiving politics that run Mikey’s Brooklyn. Elasticator #4 fills in a lot of the gaps of the story so far, rounding out details of Mikey’s past and keeping the reader updated on what Mikey’s mom is going through during his absence. The emphasis on characters outside of the superpowered Mikey reinforces the sheer humanity of the story. Brooklyn is Mikey’s home, but it belongs to others. What happens to Mikey happens to others, and what happens to Mikey has consequences on others. The overall effect of this special emphasis is like watching a slingshot stretch as the tension in the story builds. Sooner or later, it’s inevitable that something’s going to give.

Shah’s art still brings the series balance. The panel layout helps the story maintain its fast pace with innovative designs that create movement to match the action in the story, and coupled with the bright colors and expressive characters, it’s a great mix. The unique and non-static panels give the series a more intimate feel by subtly highlighting movement and elements of the environment within each frame.

Elasticator is the perfect comic for geeks interested in, well, geeky things and politics. While this issue focuses less on the politics than its predecessors, no hero would be complete without an origin story and Elasticator, as usual, delivers.

Story: A.C. Medina Art: Kevin Shah
Story: 10.0 Art: 10.0 Overall: 10.0 Recommendation: Buy

Scout Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Goldie Vance #3

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goldievance-003-a-main-73fb8Hope Larson and Brittney Williams have already established a cast of well-rounded, well-developed characters and a compelling plot with the first two issues of Goldie Vance, and this allows the plot to advance quite a bit with Goldie Vance #3.

Despite inching closer to an explanation for Mr. Ludwig’s disappearance in the previous issue, Goldie now faces some consequences for her actions. Her rash actions have left her in a bit of a pickle, and meanwhile, the mystery of Ludwig and his curiously engraved necklace gets a little more complicated.

Larson’s skill as a writer is highlighted with each issue of Goldie Vance. There are several places where it would be easy to slip into a series full of teen detective tropes, but Larson and Williams navigate away from this and instead use the story and characters break several stereotypes. Two examples of this include Goldie and Cheryl being interested in cars and science, respectively, and the men in the story being the ones who fawn over the female characters rather than the other way around. The mystery in the story itself is engaging, with no obvious outcome, and all of these elements create a fresh and interesting detective story.

Goldie is a great character with a strong moral compass and wonderful supporting characters. The whole crew is diverse, both in interests and in appearance, something else that subverts the typical tropes that come with teen detective stories. Williams’s character designs are wonderfully expressive and consistently drawn. It’s easy to picture the series as an animated show, and it works so well as a comic that it’s not hard to see why the series has recently gone from a limited series to an ongoing one. Sarah Stern brings vibrance to the series with a palette of bright colors. The art gives the series a fun retro aesthetic with none of the terribly oppressive social politics. 

With a fantastic creative team and a smart, diverse group of characters, Goldie Vance is a comic appropriate for all ages and one that, luckily for readers, will be around for a while.

Story: Hope Larson Art: Brittney Williams
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: The Fix #3

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The Fix #3Spoiler alert: Roy and Mac have been Hydra all along.

Kidding. Too soon.

Regardless of what’s happening on the Big Two side of life, The Fix #3 provides more of the same snarky humor present in the first two issues. Nick Spencer and Steve Lieber depart from the world of Josh’s Joy Division bluegrass cover group to follow Roy as he carries out his new security detail plan. While the issue is Mac-light, it does provide some unexpected paths for the plot to follow in the coming issues.

So far, each issue has been a direct continuation of the next, making for a cohesive story with a pretty clear goal for the characters. The humor is easily one of the best aspects of the story, due in equal parts to Roy and Mac being their morally bankrupt selves and to the details Lieber sneaks into the art. What sets the story apart from others like it, however, is its political awareness. Roy may act like an idiot much of the time, but he also provides an interesting and insightful social commentary as he goes about his goal of outsmarting a beagle.

As usual, Lieber’s art enhances the wit of the story. The characters’ facial expressions are hilariously expressive and something that readers can instantly relate to. The writing and art mesh seamlessly, playing off of the strengths of the other. Nic J. Shaw‘s lettering and design also helps to ensure that the humor hits with maximum impact. Ryan Hill’s colors are spectacular, and set the tone of the story with a rainbow array of vibrant hues.

The Fix #3 ends with something of a cliffhanger that suggests Roy and Mac may be in over their heads, and while this isn’t a new concept, it also suggests that their problems might be bigger than expected. Spencer and Lieber are a talented team (as indicated by the comic going into second and third reprintings) and The Fix continues to earn its spot as a regular read.

If you can’t get enough of The Fix, be sure to check out Graphic Policy contributor Anthony Spataro’s interview with artist Steve Lieber!

Story: Nick Spencer Art: Steve Lieber Colors: Ryan Hill Design/Lettering: Nic J. Shaw
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

Review: Nowhere Men #10

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nowheremen_10-1This arc of Nowhere Men has given readers insight on the humans at the heart of the science, leaving flawed but extremely well-developed characters at the center of the story. The creative team, consisting of Eric Stephenson, Dave Taylor, Emi Lenox, and Jordie Bellaire, really manage to keep each issue balanced in terms of both art and story.

This arc has focused on the aftermath of the World Corp disaster, specifically on the scientists involved. However, it has also introduced a number of unknown variables, including Simon Grimshaw and Thomas Walker, as well as the mysterious physical transformations of Susan Queen and Kurt McManus. The story has followed a natural progression that leaves the fate of many characters hanging in the balance as they all come to terms with what has happened. Nowhere Men #10 hints at answers and ends with the biggest cliffhanger of the arc so far.

One of the greatest accomplishments of the series is Stephenson’s ability to write all of the (numerous) characters in a way that doesn’t leave any neglected. They’ve all been developed with distinct personalities, through their interactions with each other (the World Corp crew), the insert advertisements and interviews (the World Corp founders), and the supplementary visual diaries (Monica Strange). This method is particularly effective, as it allows for both character and cultural background within the story without getting too much dialogue and exposition-heavy.

The narrative balance is met with visual balance from Lenox and Taylor. Lenox’s guest artist spots give a voice to Monica Strange, who is developed through her sketch diary entries. In the rest of the issue, Taylor’s art captures the larger-than-life characters perfectly. The panel layout and two-page spreads emphasize characters who appear in the story more infrequently, and boast some impressive visuals. Pages 22-25 are especially noteworthy, with some incredible colors from Jordie Bellaire.

Overall, this is another well done issue from a fantastic creative team. It is both thought-provoking and entertaining, and will make readers glad its publishing break is over.

Story: Eric Stephenson Art: Dave Taylor, Jordie Bellaire, Emi Lenox
Art: 9.5 Story: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: We(l)comeBack #8

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WelcomeBack_008_A_MainWith nowhere and no one left to turn to, Tessa and Mali have a big decision to make in the final issue of We(l)come Back. Christopher Sebela and Claire Roe wrap up the series in a satisfying manner, and it’s going to be tough to fill that pull list spot with a comic that has main characters who are equally violent and endearing as Tessa and Mali. (Sebela is, however, writing Heartthrob, with art by Robert Wilson IV and published by Oni Press, which might fill the void.)

Tessa and Mali seemingly exhausted their options around issue #6, when they discovered hiding on trains and killing the people who were trying to kill them wasn’t a sustainable way to live. It did, however, lead them to Tessa’s home in South Africa, where her mother greeted them with open arms and a cell-like room for each.

We(l)come Back #8 finishes out this plot line and neatly rounds out the rest of the story. The lingering questions are answered without piling on the information. Tessa and Mali have had cyclical stories with a distinct path in the timeline of We(l)come Back, and their fates have hung in the balance throughout the entire series. Sebela ends their story (or does he?) in a way that doesn’t feel rushed, despite the number of loose ends that remain at the end of #7. In terms of pacing, this issue is well done, not rushing the end or dumping a resolution on the metaphorical doorstep and fitting with the rest of the story.

As usual, Claire Roe gives each character depth and personality with her distinct style. Her attention to fashion made the story that much more believable as something set in a present time, and small details like Tessa’s jogger/jacket outfits and Mali’s favored boots/shorts combo gave the characters that much more personality. The Sebela/Roe team will be missed for its lively storytelling, and Jonathan Brandon Sawyer’s artistic contributions–the first two issues, character designs, and the incredible covers that grace each issue–will also be missed.

Overall, this issue was a well-crafted end to a wonderful series, and leaves only one question: Will there be a deluxe trade available for preorder?

Story: Christopher Sebela Art: Claire Roe
Story: 10 Art: 9 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Buy

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Monstress #6

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Monstress06_CoverAs with previous issues, Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda bring a level of storytelling to Monstress that’s unlikely to be found elsewhere in the comic industry.

While there are arguments for and against story summaries at the beginning of comics, it’s often helpful in reading Monstress. The story is never simply an overload of facts, but it is incredibly multifaceted and, on occasion, it’s easy to miss finer details. Monstress #5 left Maika’s fate at the hands of Corvin D’Oro, a member of the Arcanic Dusk Court, and #6 picks up immediately after, with Maika imprisoned once again.

The story’s pacing has been one of its (many) strengths, with plot points occurring in quick succession and just enough supplementary information to keep readers informed on what’s important. Liu makes use of the good kind of guessing to keep the plot fresh and interesting each issue, and Monstress #6. Power and humanity, which have been an underlying themes throughout the story, are brought to the forefront in this issue, as many forces, including Maika herself, grapple for control of Maika and her inner monster.

As Maika develops, so does Kippa, a character who often praises Maika’s strength but displays many strengths of her own, including loyalty and bravery. Monstress showcases strength in many forms through its female characters. Each character has a distinct appearance and personality that informs their reaction to the very dark and real tragedies that befall them. It’s an aspect of the story that allows readers to relate to the characters, even if no one has experienced this alternate version of 1900s Asia.

Sana Takeda’s art is as breathtaking as it has ever been, with character designs that push the boundaries of the usual fantasy types. The amount of detail that goes into each panel is an amazing feat, another aspect of the story that elevates it above and beyond an average fantasy story. The panel layout maximizes the space of the page, giving Monstress a larger than life feel.

The story is an incredibly huge undertaking, and Liu and Takeda keep readers guessing as to where it will go next. If it hasn’t already claimed a spot on your pull list, Monstress is absolutely deserving of it.

Story: Marjorie Liu Art: Sana Takeda
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Elasticator #3

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stl003075In this issue: the moment we’ve all been waiting for. A.C. Medina and Kevin Shah’s Elasticator hasn’t left readers wanting for action so far, and Elasticator #3 doesn’t disappoint.

The series began with the arrest of Mikey Mazzagatti and has since centered on the events leading up to the arrest, including the complex politics of Brooklyn and a rampant drug problem. With necessary introductions covered in issues #1 and #2, the bones of the story are shaping up into a formidable beast. Elasticator #3 provides some extremely satisfying answers to some of the overarching questions of the series without losing the same smart storytelling that has been a defining characteristic of the story so far. Fans will finally get Mikey’s superhero origin story and discover more about Tiggy and the combination of drugs and political machinations that got both of them in trouble in the first place.

In three issues, Medina and Shah have created the kind of comic that many superhero stories could take notes from. Both the setting and characters are richly developed, with compelling motivations that propel the plot. The focus on real life issues and creating very human characters elevates Elasticator beyond a run-of-the-mill superhero story, and the attention given to developing background characters ensures the story remains, at a base level, very much about humanity.

As with the previous issues, Shah’s art is a highlight. The characters are dynamic and stylized, which keeps the story from feeling too heavy even as it explores topics like drugs, violence, and political corruption. The character designs are diverse and unique, with expressive faces and body language that highlight the constant motion on each page. Ross A. Campbell has brought some incredible colors into this issue, bringing a wonderful vibrancy to already lively characters. Mikey’s warm, rich palette gets a moment in the spotlight toward the end of the comic that also serves to emphasize the contrast and burgeoning conflict between him and Brother V’s forces. The art has always been a standout, but it also seems to get better each issue.

The Elasticator team has created a book with depth, great characters, and themes that get more compelling with each chapter. As the intrigue heightens, Elasticator is a comic that deserves its spot on your pull list.

Story: A.C. Medina Art: Kevin Shah
Story: 9.5 Art: 10.0 Overall: 9.75 Recommendation: Buy

Scout Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

Review: Goldie Vance #2

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GoldieVance_002_A_MainTeen detective Goldie Vance returns in Goldie Vance #2, and she’s up to her knees in mystery. With the disappearance of Mr. Ludwig at the end of issue #1, Goldie embarked on what might be her biggest mystery yet. The energy of the series doesn’t lag in the second issue, thanks to writer Hope Larson’s lighter tone and Brittney Williams’s expressive art.

In the first issue, readers met Goldie, an adventurous sixteen-year-old girl who loves cars and mysteries. She uses her smarts and knowledge of her father’s hotel to assist guests and the hotel detective (whether he likes it or not). Goldie’s passion for helping people is explored even more in #2, when she faces a bigger mystery than initially thought and few clues to go by.

While the crime-solving aspect of the series is both fun and intriguing, what really makes it shine is the inclusion of outside characters. Goldie’s friends and family are a unique group of people who enrich her story rather than functioning solely as background characters. It’s a perfect series for younger readers, as they will likely be able to relate to at least one of the characters. The series also provides a great representation of characters of color as well as separated parents. Goldie Vance #2 introduces Goldie’s mom, as well as the much-discussed Sugar Maple. Despite the influx of information, the story’s pacing is even without overloading the reader.

The art is consistently wonderful, with a bold style that fits the characters’ bold personalities. Goldie is drawn with particular attention to her expressions, and her opinions on a situation are immediately clear by her face. She’s an energetic and relatable character, and Williams’s art ensures that. Sarah Stern’s coloring is also a vital aspect of the art, with bright palettes that add to the energy of the series. They perfectly convey the tone and mood of the story. Together, Williams and Stern create an adorable retro aesthetic.

Overall, the second issue is just as solid as the first. With any luck, the series will be extended, because Goldie is a character you’ll want to read about for a long time.

Story: Hope Larson Art: Brittney Williams
Story: 9.5 Art: 9.5 Overall: 9.5 Recommendation: Read

BOOM! Studios provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

Review: The Fix #2

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CoverGood news for people who love reading comics about bad people: The Fix #2 is out, and it’s just as great as the first issue.

Writer Nick Spencer keeps up the same witty rapport and artist Steve Lieber adds in a healthy dose of visual humor as the story picks up right where #1 left off. Roy and Mac work toward getting past Pretzels, the ferocious (adorable) beagle (protagonist) that stands between them and getting paid. Meanwhile, readers learn a little more about the kombucha and kale loving Josh, as well as the other members of the department.

As with Superior Foes of Spider-Man, the main characters–not quite protagonists–are the kind of idiots you can’t help but root for. Roy and Mac may be terrible people, but they have (some) morals, and while their aforementioned idiot qualities have gotten them into some hot water with a bluegrass-loving stay-at-home dad, it doesn’t make the story hard to read. Rather, both the characters and story are, above all, smart. This particular brand of cleverness from Spencer and Lieber isn’t unexpected, and they use it to maximum efficiency with Roy and Mac, whose smarts are used to keep readers guessing about what will happen next.

Lieber’s art is a wonderful counterpoint to the narrative, often helping to successfully convey the wit of the story, which isn’t an easy task. The visual humor is just as hilarious as the textual humor, one thing that makes the story work so well. The facial expressions and body language of the characters are spot on, setting a lighthearted tone for a comic about felons. Ryan Hill nails the colors, and Nic J. Shaw’s lettering and design ensure that all jokes are told in the most humorous way possible. 

The Fix hasn’t lost any of its hilarity as it delves deeper into the story, and is absolutely worth a pull list spot. If you didn’t get a chance last month, both issues #1 and #2 are worth checking out–and the #1 second printing variant now features none other than the heroic Pretzels.

Story: Nick Spencer Art: Steve Lieber Colors: Ryan Hill Lettering: Nic J. Shaw
Story: 10 Art: 10 Overall: 10 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

Review: Cry Havoc #4

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cryhavoc_04-1With each issue of Cry Havoc, writer Simon Spurrier has the task of balancing three narratives that, while separate, are directly related. So far readers have met Louise Canton at three points in her life, denoted by location: London, Afghanistan, and the Red Place, with each place falling in this order, chronologically. The story isn’t as confusing as it’s made out to be, kept distinct by Ryan Kelly’s illustration and a legion of colorists.

By now, it’s clear that London was the first part of Louise’s journey, as she grappled with control over her inner monster. Afghanistan has been framed in the context of getting rid of the monster, and the Red Place would appear to be a mission gone FUBAR. The events leading up to the Red Place are still an unknown, but the first three issues ended with images of Lou, pregnant and locked in a cage. This is largely playing catch-up on the series, but it all bears relevance to #4.

With Cry Havoc #4, Spurrier finally discusses the elephant in the womb. (I’d say I’m sorry about the pun, but I’m not.) Lou was decidedly pregnant in issue #2 (and in #1, upon closer examination of the last page) something on which that the villainous Lynn Odell clearly means to capitalize.

Given that the only relationship Louise has been in was with a woman, it certainly seemed possible that the pregnancy was the result of unspeakably awful circumstances. However, Spurrier deserves the faith readers have invested in the story so far. While the events surrounding the pregnancy aren’t ideal, the way in which it’s handled brings the narrative into a clearer time frame.

The story also continues to make some interesting points about how, culturally, stories are valued and told. Other characters continue to develop while the world of inner demons, for lack of a better term, develops.

As usual, one of the highlights of the story is the art. Kelly’s illustration is highlighted in different ways by each of the three colorists, and the palettes begin to blend a little more as each place comes closer to the next in terms of the timeline. Lee Loughridge emphasizes the characters in red hues more than any other aspect of the Red Place, giving the sense that Lynn and Lou are the most important players in the game. Nick Filardi’s London colors but equal focus on the characters and their surroundings, which are most often portrayed in colors that have an underlying blue tone. Matt Wilson’s Afghanistan is a blend of the two–most often neutral, but with some spectacular pops of color that highlight each mythical being in a unique way.

Cry Havoc is still a fun and engaging read four issues in, with solid pacing that reveals enough to both move the story forward and to keep readers feeling like they’re not waiting forever. That said, the endgame largely remains a mystery, as does the fates of many of the characters.

Story: Simon Spurrier Art: Ryan Kelly Colorists: Lee Loughridge, Nick Filardi, Matt Wilson
Story: 8.0 Art: 9.0 Overall: 8.5 Recommendation: Buy

Image Comics provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review.

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